1972 Gibson EB-3L bass

The Gibson EB0 and EB3 were redesigned in 1972: gone were the mahogany necks and slotted headstocks (see a 1971 Gibson EB3L) - replaced with a thicker three-piece maple neck (the width at the nut increased from 1 1/2" to 1 5/8"), with larger headstock and a volute. The body wood was still mahogany, but they were significantly thicker: 1 5/8" compared to 1 1/4" of the preceding version, and the neck pickup was repositioned closer to the bridge.

The redesign was partially intended to strengthen weak necks: headstock breaks are very common in mahogany-necked EB basses, and maple, especially with a volute is much stronger; and partially to improve tonal clarity. The less-defined thump, inspired by the upright basses of the 1950s and 1960s were nowhere near as desirable in the 1970s. Listen to the 1972 Gibson EB3L soundclips on this site.

1972 Gibson EB-3L specifications

Differences between the EB3L and EB3 were minor (see a 1972 Gibson EB3)- naturally a longer neck (total body length is 44" compared to XXX" of the EB3) and a repositioned bridge. The fretboard of all long scale SG style basses of this period had one less fret (20) compared to 21 of the short scale basses, though this is not mentioned in published descriptions of the time. All other dimensions are unchanged.

Notice the two point bar bridge with cover. Three point bridges were not in use until 1973, but these were slightly upgraded from older versions, in having metal saddles. The machine heads are Schaller M-4-S.

This is one of 268 Cherry EB3Ls produced in 1972 (See Gibson EB3 shipping data) - compared to 530 shortscale Cherry EB3s. In total 1355 EB3 and EB3Ls were produced in 1972.

The 1972 EB-3L had series 2 circuitry with some changes from earlier EB3 basses.

The 1972 new EB bass design was significantly different from preceding versions. Looking at the body: a new scratchplate design and the neck pickup significantly repositioned towards the middle of the body, for greater tonal clarity. Long scale EB basses of the early seventies had 20 frets compared to 21 of their short-scale siblings.

The mahogany body, with glued in three-piece maple neck, and control cavity cover. This bass is a great example of how Gibson's nitrocellulose cherry finish can fade to brown. The colour differences on the woods from front to back can clearly be seen; the cherry finish has remained vibrant cherry-red over the maple, yet has faded to a duller brown on the mahogany body. Cherry basses can easily be confused with Gibson's Walnut finish, available at the same time.

The EB3L bass pickup is the same humbucker as the short scale EB3. Note the Gibson logo engraved into the chrome cover - this was fairly common around 1971-1972.

Witch-hat knobs with position markers (volume and tone for each pickup), and four-way varitone switch with chicken head knob.

This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with metal saddles, and chrome bridge cover. Note the engraved Gibson logo on the Gibson mini-humbucker.

Four-way varitone switch with chicken head knob. The varitone switch on the EB3 offers some quite distinct sounds; have a listen to the EB3L audio clips on this site.

The varitone positions are as follows:

Position 1: front pickup
Position 2: back pickup
Position 3: both pickups in parallel
Position 4: front pickup with midrange notch.

The EB3L was available in both Walnut and Cherry. This Cherry finished bass is worn (back of neck) and faded (body), and in places (the front especially) look almost like a faded Walnut finish.

Typical Gibson set (glued) neck joint, and five ply scratchplate

As of 1972, the Gibson bass headstock was larger, with a simple silk-screened logo. It is unusual to find a not-slotted headstock EB bass with an engraved truss rod cover, but a few, like this early maple-neck EB-3Ls, were fitted with them. Tuning Keys are Schaller M4S.

The neck design changed in 1972: firstly maple, rather than mahogany, was used, it was wider and it was given a volute for the first time. Note Schaller M-4-S tuners, serial number, and MADE IN USA text.

Gibson EB-3 bass guitars for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

Gibson 70s EB-3 WALNUT Used Electric Bass

Union, New Hampshire, 038**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1275

The Gibson 70s EB-3 WALNUT Used Electric Bass is a classic right-handed solid wood electric bass guitar with a 4-string configuration. This vintage model, known as the Les Paul, was made in the United States and features a solid brown body color, making it both visually appealing and high-quality in terms of sound and playability. With its durable construction and iconic design, this guitar is a popular choice among bass players looking for a reliable and timeless instrument.... more

Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar

Santa Barbara, California, 931**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

Vintage 1969 Gibson EB-3Cherry Electric Bass Guitar. Jack Bruce played an EB-3. So did Glenn Cornick ofJethro Tull. Bob Daisley played an EB-3 on Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Ozz Also Andy Fraser of Free. Michael Davis - MC5. Norm Sundholm, bassist for TheKingsmen and co-founder of Sunn Amplifiers also played an EB-3. This is an original1969 Gibson EB-3 Bass in the classic Cherry Red finish, with serial number 603929 This EB-3 is in very good condition, showing player wear with buckle rash, ... more

1972 Gibson EB-3 Slotted Headstock Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Walnut w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2900

Up for sale, a 1972 Gibson EB-3 in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This is an uncommon version of the EB-3 platform, only produced from 1970 to early ?72, featuring a slotted headstock
Surprisingly versatile, the EB-3 delivers warm, midrange rich snarl from the mini humbucker in the bridge position, and powerful low end thump from the neck position "Mudbucker " The rotary pickup selector offers a bevy of tones at the flick of a ... more

1969 Gibson EB-3 Cherry

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3199

Very good condition 1969 Gibson EB-3 bass in cherry. No breaks. All original outside of the changed tuners, replaced tone pot (original included), and a recent refret. This example has some honest play wear throughout from touring, but is lucky to come out with no breaks to report. Bridge mute assembly functions. Truss rod works well, neck is straight, and it has been recently restrung. 8 3 pounds. Gibson logo is a bit faded, but this is purely cosmetic of course. This example sounds very boomy,... more

"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

Here we a have a Pre-Owned Excellent Condition 1973 VINTAGE GIBSON EB-3 BASS. I Just put it through the Shop to make sure everything is up to snuff. I am very meticulous when it comes to my gear, I baby my stuff. Everything is in perfect working order. I just had it completely set up with brand New FENDER FLATOUND 45-100'S so it plays wonderful. Truss Rod is in good working condition Neck is Straight action is perfect. (I like the action low) so it set perfect and plays like a dream. All the ... more

Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art

El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Beautiful stunning EB three Gibson guitar Bass original case, one lady owner, left as found 1970s i??ll let the Pictures do the talking or the playing ! Enjoy laurence & sally of StorageWars and baggage battles currently www roundthebend tv
... more

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more

1961 Gibson EB-3 the cleanest original extent w / hang tags 1 of a kind & Minty !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11495

This is a beautiful 1st year produced example of the exactly ??Cream Era?? Gibson EB-3 bass, pretty much identical the primary one used extensively by Jack Bruce from 1966 into the mid-70s. These expensive double pickup EB basses were made in fairly small quantities from 1961 into the mid-1960s but most examples that surface now are the later ??60s and early ??70s models, when they were produced in much greater numbers ?? at least partially due to the popularity of Cream ! Those are fine ... more

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... more

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£385

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
... more

Gibson EB 3 CASE 1971 - passend für NUR GESCHLITZTE SPINDELSTOCK-Version

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£399

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
* SOLD AS IS - NO RETURNS... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€439

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
PLENTY of PARTS for SALE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>-------------->>>>>
... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€444

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more

Gibson Eb-3 Bassgitarre

Meisterschwanden, 5***, SWITZERLAND

CHF2250

Gibson EB-3 Bassgitarre mit original Koffer, Jack Bruce spielte so ein Instrument mit Ginger Baker (Drums) und Eric Clapton (Cream)... more

Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1967

Horncastle, LN9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2950

The Gibson EB-3 is a bass guitar introduced in 1961 and discontinued in 1979. It was produced at Gibson's plant in Kalamazoo, MI It features a slim SG-style body, a short 30 5" scale, and two pick up's (a large humbucking pickup in the neck position and a mini humbucker pickup in the bridge position). The electronics include a four-way rotary pickup selector switch (for Series 1 basses: neck pickup with midrange notch, bridge, bridge and neck with low end rolled off neck pickup, neck pickup with... more

1961 Gibson EB-3 4-String Electric Bass Guitar in Cherry, with Hard Case (Used)

Birmingham, B1***, UNITED KINGDOM

£5500

- Overall: Good condition.
- Frets: Good condition, no issues.
- Hardware: All original.
- Electronics: All original, no issues.
- Finish: This Bass Guitar is in Good condition with some wear through previous usage. There are some dents on the body as well as a crack near the jack input, which has been repaired.
- Made in USA, 1961.
* Hard Case included.
* Please note all of our USED / EX-DISPLAY Guitars & Basses are checked, tested,... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co